10 Tips For Taking Stunning iPhone Photos Of Building Interiors

Last week we explored ways to improve your iPhone photos of building exteriors. But photographing the interior of a building presents very different challenges in terms of light, subject matter and composition. So what kind of techniques should you use when shooting interior architecture? In this tutorial you’ll discover 10 creative tips for taking stunning iPhone photos of building interiors.

Evelyne Sieber – iPhone Photo Masters Student

1. Photograph Ceilings

When you walk into a building, don’t forget to look up above you. If you only look around at eye level you might be missing out on some great photo opportunities.

Many buildings, especially larger ones, have beautiful and ornate ceilings that will look fantastic in your photos.

Luis Fernandez – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Old buildings such as churches and cathedrals are great places to find stunning detail high up above you.

But modern architecture will also have plenty of interesting ceilings that you can photograph.

5. Photograph Details

We’re often so focused on trying to convey the size and scale of a building, that we forget to focus on the smaller details.

Intricate details allow you to tell a more complete story of the building that you’re exploring. Something as simple as some colorful or ornate tiles will make a wonderful photo when composed in the right way.

Paula Danner – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Paula’s decision to fill the entire frame with these tiles was a great choice. Not only does it create a pattern of squares for an interesting abstract effect, but it also focuses your attention on the amazing blue color.

Choosing to include her feet in the photo adds extra interest and a focal point, but it also tells the viewer that these are floor tiles rather than wall tiles.

Below is another example of focusing on small details in a certain part of the building.

Susan Margulies Kalish – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Look out for interesting details, patterns, textures and ornate objects that will give the viewer a bit more information about the building.

Then work to produce a pleasing composition and use the light to your advantage to create an artistic looking shot.

6. Capture Shadows & Reflections

Wherever you have windows or other openings in a building, you’ll often find shadows and reflections created by the light streaming in.

You can use these shadows and reflections to create photos full of interesting patterns.

When photographing shadows, be sure to adjust the image exposure so that the shadows appear dark enough.

Be aware that the strength and direction of the sun will change how shadows and reflections appear throughout the day.

So be sure to revisit a building at different times of the day for the best chance of getting a great shot.

7. Photograph Staircases

Unless you’re shooting a single story building, I’d definitely recommend that you seek out some staircases.

Spiral staircases can be used to create the most incredible images. Shooting from the top allows you to use the spiral to gradually lead the eye to the bottom of the building.

Evelyne Sieber – iPhone Photo Masters Student

If possible, include a person on the staircase. This will add a focal point and an extra storytelling element.

You can also photograph spiral staircases from below. This allows you to capture the underneath of the stairs which can be just as interesting.

Lloyd Callaway Jr. – iPhone Photo Masters Student

When photographing spiral staircases, be sure to experiment with your viewpoint and composition. For example, do you want the middle of the spiral to be perfectly central or positioned to one side?

Of course, not all buildings have a spiral staircase, but you can still use a straight staircase to create a great photo.

Chris Baird – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Use the leading lines to draw the eye into the scene and create a sense of depth. Try standing perfectly central to create a powerful symmetrical composition.

8. Shoot Through Windows

Rather than just photographing interior details of a building, how about combining the interior and exterior by shooting through a window or skylight?

Jude Dundas – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Capturing the detail of a window frame adds context to your image. It tells the viewer that you were inside a building at the time of shooting. It also adds great foreground interest and a framing element to the photo.

And the scene outside shows what kind of environment the building is situated in, for example, open countryside, an urban street, an industrial area, etc.

Lloyd Callaway Jr. – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Experiment with the image exposure to create just the effect you want. For example, reducing the exposure will turn the darker foreground into a stunning silhouette that frames the scene outside.

9. Use A Door Or Archway As A Frame

Similar to shooting through a window, taking a photo through an open door or archway allows you to capture both the inside of the building and the scene outside.

Janet Cashin – iPhone Photo Masters Student

The open doorway in the photo above creates a fantastic frame which instantly draws your eye through the door and on to the scene beyond.

10. Include People In Your Shots

There are many great reasons to include people in your architecture photos. They provide a sense of scale, helping the viewer to comprehend how large the building is.

Luis Fernandez – iPhone Photo Masters Student

They also also act as a main subject and point of interest. While the photo above has great symmetry, it wouldn’t have much impact without the person in the scene.

Adding a human element into your architecture shots also helps you tell more compelling stories. It shows how people interact with the architecture around them.

Evelyne Sieber – iPhone Photo Masters Student

Creating a story in your photos is the key to producing interesting and intriguing images that will connect the viewer with the image and hold their attention for longer.

How You Too Can Take iPhone Photos That Everyone Adores

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Good article, Kate. Lovely work from the students too. I especially appreciated the reminder; “For the most effective composition, aim to have the lines emerging from the bottom corners of the frame” Thank you.

Glad to hear you enjoyed these tips and photos Ardys. That’s a very important point about the lines isn’t it. It’s not enough just to include lines in your photo – you have to position them carefully within the composition for maximum visual impact. I often try out several slightly different angles and perspectives until I’m happy with the result 🙂

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